Lunch & Learns

The AIA plays an active role in the continuing education of its members. As such, the Air Barrier Association of America is a registered AIA Design Professional Provider.

Course

Description

Credits

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Building Science

Review the “Building as a System” concept and what makes up the building enclosure. Explain moisture flow, air flow and heat flow and the various mechanisms in which they move through the building enclosure.

1.0 CEU/HSW

Introduction to Air Barriers

Understand Air Barriers in relation to the building enclosure system and how they fit within the wall assembly. Review of key performance requirements and definitions of Air Barrier materials, assemblies and systems. Understand recent changes in building code requirements and gain knowledge in market forces driving energy efficient buildings.

1.0 CEU/HSW

Air Barriers Design Considerations for Air Barriers

Identify all the general design considerations when incorporating an air barrier into building design. Understand the air pressures on a building and relate to the types of leaks that can occur in an enclosure system. Gain knowledge of Basic Details for continuity of the system.

1.0 CEU/HSW

ABAA Quality Assurance Program

The QAP ties the manufacturer, the contractor and the installer together to ensure that the products are installed properly. It is based on ISO 9000 and ISO 12576‐2 standards. The presentation defines exactly what quality assurance is, how it is different than quality control, the impact of poor quality on a building systems and a review of the key components of the quality assurance program for air barriers.

1.0 or 1.5 CEU/HSW

Air Barrier Research Project

The Air Barrier Research Project covers years of in field testing and laboratory testing using ASTM E2357 test requirements. The key question to answer was “Do air barriers reduce energy use?” For years the Department of Energy stated in their documents that reduced air leakage could account for 10% to 40% energy savings for heating and cooling. Laboratory testing of air barrier sub-assemblies was also conducted on wood framed walls. Some of the results were unexpected.

1.5 CEU/HSW

Achieving a high performance Air Barrier System

Air Barriers are an extremely important component of a high performance building enclosure system. For the most part, these systems are non-maintainable components and repairs can typically only be made with the removal of the exterior cladding system. To ensure a performing system, proper design, detailing and ultimately the proper installation of these systems is extremely important. You have one chance to get it right. Come learn about important design considerations, how to properly detail critical interfaces, key items to include in your specifications and the proper installation techniques, quality control and testing parameters for a variety of air barrier systems in use today.

1.0 or 1.5 CEU/HSW

Benefits of an Air Barrier in a Building

Air barriers are relatively new and now they are in the codes. The IECC 2012, 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1- 2010 require that an air barrier is installed in a building. Design professionals are now faced with designing an air barrier system but the system will only work if the installation is done properly. A poorly installed air barrier can cause problems in the building enclosure. Knowing what the issues are and what tools are available will assist the design professional.

1.5 CEU/HSW

The Big Disconnect – The Importance of Wall to Roof Connections for the Air Barrier

As more states, jurisdictions and the design community require air barriers, the issue of connecting the wall air barrier assembly to other building assemblies, such as below grade, window systems and roofs need to be completely understood in order to design and construct a functioning building enclosure.

One of the most often missed or not well executed details is the connection between the wall air barrier and roof assembly. With a myriad of roof systems, wall configurations and the growing number of wall air barrier products, it can be difficult to navigate the process in regards to what systems work best with each other and the chemical compatibility of these systems.

Air Barrier Field Testing of Various Air Barrier Materials during construction process

During the construction process, a variety of both quantitative, qualitative and visual inspection can be done on the air barrier assembly to confirm conformance to project specifications. A review of the key test methods used during the construction process and a demonstration of the type of testing equipment for both air leakage, adhesion and material specific test methods.

1.0 CEU/HSW

Effective Use of Water-Resistive Barriers and Air Barrier Building Wraps

Gain an understanding of housewraps and their primary functions as well as air barrier building wraps, including testing, installation and code compliance.

1.0 CEU/HSW

How to Properly Specify an Air Barrier System

Design and Construction documents are one of the first steps towards achieving an effective layer of airtightness to manage moisture and air movement. The importance of a proper specification cannot be understated and a well-articulated document will ensure that the owner is provided with materials, performance and quality.

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